Al Hilal begin AFC Champions League Elite campaign with win as Inzaghi praises ‘best attack and defence’

Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi says his side’s 2-1 victory over Al Gharafa was built on having “the best attack and defence” in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Saudi club made a winning start to the league phase in Qatar, with Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scoring before Hassan Alaa Eddine pulled one back for Al Gharafa in stoppage time.

“We defended well against Al Gharafa and tried to score first, which we managed to do,” Inzaghi told Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya. “We missed a few chances, but we did what was necessary to win the match.”

Neves opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the third minute of first-half injury time, sending Al Hilal into the interval with a 1-0 lead.

Milinkovic-Savic doubled the advantage in the 73rd minute when he headed the ball into the net. Al Gharafa reduced the deficit through Hassan Alaa Eddine in the second minute of added time, but Al Hilal held on for victory.

Inzaghi said the result continued a positive start to the season, while warning that his team still had considerable work ahead.

“We have started the season well, but this is only the beginning,” he said. “We have played eight matches and lost only once. We have the best attack and defence, and we will continue to work hard.

“There could still be around 50 matches ahead of us. The important thing is to maintain this rhythm after the international break.”

The Italian manager also highlighted the impact of Al Hilal’s summer additions, although a number of players are now due to join their national teams.

“We have added many important players,” Inzaghi said. “Now, many players will leave for their national teams, while Salem Al-Dawsari, Theo Hernandez and Ali Lajami will help us when they return.”

French defender Simon Buabry was replaced during the match because of a muscle problem. Inzaghi said the change had been made as a precaution.

“He was substituted because of a muscle strain and we wanted to give him a rest,” he said. “Since he arrived, he has performed extremely well.”

Al Hilal’s victory gave them their opening points in the competition, putting them level with Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates, Esteghlal of Iran, Al Qadsiah of Saudi Arabia, Neftchi Fergana of Uzbekistan and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai of the United Arab Emirates.

The AFC Champions League Elite league phase is split into two groups of 16 teams, with one section representing the Eastern region and the other the Western region. The top eight sides from each group will qualify directly for the last 16.

The quarter-finals will be staged as a centralised tournament in Saudi Arabia, where the winner of this season’s Asian competition will be decided.